Danbury Youth Soccer Club is a non-profit organization. It operates under the general auspices of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) but is governed locally through its own Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is charged with providing

All DYSC Coaches are responsible to adhere to all DYSC, NW District, SW District, CJSA and USYSO, rules and regulations. Inparticular, the zero tolerance rules related to referee dissent, USSF restriction on heading for children 10 and under and background check requirements. Lack of knowledge of the rules is not an excuse.

Please review theseDYSC In-House Guidelines. Coaches and Assistant Coaches represent the entire DYSC Organization and shall conduct themselves in the spirit of the DYSC Mission Statement and in accordance with the following guidelines based on the National Soccer Coaches Association of America’s Code of Ethics and Conduct (www.nscaa.com) and the CJSA’s Coaches Code.

IMPORTANT: ALL current and prospective coaches and trainers (In-House, Travel and Premier) are required to register with DYSC at the start of each new season.

IMPORTANT: All adults are required to complete an on-line background check. The cost of your background check will be paid by CJSA.

Responsibilities to Parents

In many situations, the game of soccer requires significant explanation to Parents and spectators. Public relations become part of the job description for many coaches. Parents must be treated with respect, courtesy and honesty.

Coaches must not make derogatory or misleading comments to Parents, opposing teams and Coaches or spectators.

At Kenosia, Coaches are to keep spectators and parents on opposite side of the field from players and not behind end lines. Between the fields is only for Coaches and Players.

Coaches, to the best of their ability, are responsible for the conduct and sportsmanship of team Parents, assistant Coaches and spectators before, during and directly after the game.

At the start of both the Fall and Spring Sessions, Coaches shall explain to parents or guardians of their respective players the commitment (practices, games, conduct, etc.) that the team and organization expect of them and their child. Maintain an open dialogue with Parents, players, other Coaches, Division Coordinator, etc.

Coaches can arrange a communication network to notify parents/guardians of scheduling changes (practice and games) and arrange for refreshments (water, oranges, etc.) for the entire team for games and practices.

Coaches must be certain to have all debris cleaned up after all games and practices.

Coaches must remind Parents that Parents shouting instructions to a player from the sidelines can confuse the child and should not be permitted. The referee may bring this situation to the attention of the Coach. Positive encouragement is recommended.

Coaches must not use Parents as a forum to reveal unethical practices or rule violations by opposing teams and colleagues. Such matters need to be addressed administratively. Also, Parents must be informed of their right to make comments to the Division Coordinator or DYSC Board.

Responsibilities to Players

The importance of winning must never supersede the players' safety and welfare. Winning is the result of preparation and discipline with considerable emphasis on the highest societal ideals and character traits. These values are not sacrificed for prestige or personal gain.

Coaches shall play each player a minimum of 50% of every game, in accordance with CJSA Guidelines. A Coach may make a decision not to allow a player to play or reduce his/her playing time if:

The player’s physical condition limits playing ability.

The player possesses an attitude that is detrimental to the team or the opposing team.

These situations should be discussed with the child’s Parents/Guardians and Division Coordinator.

Requirements for participation on a soccer team must not impede a player's opportunity for achieving academic success. The student-athlete's education must be of foremost concern and actively promoted by each Coach.

Coaches must adhere to the rules of the game. They must not seek unfair advantage by teaching deliberate unsportsmanlike behavior or accepting illegal gains over an opponent.

The demands Coaches place on their players must be consistent with the guidelines established by DYSC. Coaches shall not place undue pressure on a player to lessen a commitment to another activity (i.e. other sports, band, Church, Scouting, etc.). It is the goal of DYSC to peacefully coexist in the Danbury community with other youth organizations.

The diagnosis and treatment of injuries is a medical problem and coaches must defer to the proper medical personnel without interference. Coaches must follow the directives of appropriate medical authorities and when present, the player’s parents.

Coaches must report any injury that occurs to players during practices or games, within 48 hours, to their Division Coordinator who will notify the Recreational Director.

Coaches must not promote the use of anabolic agents or stimulants for the purpose of gaining athletic advantage. Medications and drugs are prescribed and authorized only by physicians.

Coaches must take an active role in the prevention and treatment of drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse.

Coaches must never knowingly jeopardize the eligibility and participation of a student-athlete